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The Irish National Meals on Wheels Network (NMOWN) marked its 10th Anniversary with a major conference on 21 November at the Strand Hotel in Limerick, bringing together professionals, volunteers and sector leaders committed to supporting older people through nutritious meals and essential social contact. The event was formally recognised by the attendance of the Minister of State at the Department of Health, who holds responsibility for Older People’s services across Ireland—highlighting the national significance of the sector.

Shared Priorities Across Borders
Representing the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), Scottish Chair Andrew Stokes attended the conference and contributed insights drawn from his work with the association and his role as Service Manager at Fife Council, where he oversees the local Meals on Wheels service.

Core themes across the programme included funding, promotional activity, delivery models and dietary requirements—areas that resonate strongly with the work of the NACC and its members. Delegates showed particular interest in the NACC’s Training & Development Forum and National Meals on Wheels Week, especially the impact of its themed days.

Strong Alignment and Sector Commitment
The conference highlighted the remarkable similarity in commitment between the NMOWN and the NACC. Both organisations share a clear dedication to championing care catering and improving support for older people. The energy and enthusiasm among attendees reflected a united ambition: ensuring no older person experiences isolation or goes without a nutritious meal.

Learning from Different Models
The event also provided valuable insights into the operational landscape in Ireland. Many Irish Meals on Wheels services rely heavily on volunteers and community fundraising, in contrast to the more local-authority-led approach often seen in the UK. This model delivers strong community engagement but also presents challenges around long-term sustainability—issues familiar across the wider sector.

Despite structural differences, the parallels between the two organisations were evident, and there was a strong appetite for future collaboration. Sharing best practice and learning from varied models will further strengthen support for older people on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Looking Ahead
The NMOWN 10th Anniversary Conference served not only as a celebration of the organisation’s achievements but also as an important reminder of the essential role Meals on Wheels services play. It underscored the need for continued advocacy, innovation and cross-border cooperation.

The NACC looks forward to building on the relationships strengthened through the conference and continuing to champion high-quality care catering for older people across all nations.